Saint Louis University (SLU) launched the Intramurals for Academic Year 2024-2025, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship, excellence, and unity.
This year’s Intramurals revolves around the theme, “Palaro sa San Luis”, uniting athletes together in playoffs while developing a sense of discipline, cheerfulness, and camaraderie– same values manifested during “pinoy fiestas”.
With athletes, coaches, and employees gathered together, the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) Performing Groups’ showcased their award-winning Panagbenga Grand Street Parade Performance followed by the Parade of Athletes to the Bishop Carlito Cenzon Sports Center.
The Eucharistic celebration followed, providing blessings and guidance so the intrams participants could engage in the upcoming games in a friendly and virtuous competition. Rev. Fr. Emanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM, Parochial Vicar of the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish and Chaplain of the Saint Louis University Sacred Heart Medical Center presided over the mass, together with con-celebrant, Rev. Fr. Yohanis “John” Salama.
The SLU Glee Club officially started the program by singing “Pilipinas Kong Mahal”. Afterward, the emcees, Mr. Andrew Macalma, PhD and CCA Tanghalang SLU Trainer Mrs. Katherine Mae Nobleza-Estavillo, acknowledged the school delegates: the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS), School of Advanced Studies (SAS), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of Law (SOL), School of Medicine (SOM), School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), and School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA).
The Vice President for Administration Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced shared an inspirational message, motivating the athletes to strive for excellence while building strong and meaningful connections. “The pressures of academic achievements, assignments, and future aspirations often overshadow the need for recreation and leisure. At SLU, we have always recognized the need to balance work and play in order to foster an environment that enables our students’ holistic development. The annual intramurals is one such avenue where students can achieve this delicate balance,” she stated.
The awarding ceremony of the Top 3 schools last Intramurals 2023-2024 followed, with Mrs. Honey Jerelyn M. Garcia, Head of the Center for Sports Development, and Atty. Merced to award the winners. The SONAHBS, which garnered 430 points, clutched the 3rd place overall. Next at 2nd place is the SEA that earned 485 points. The SAMCIS garnered the overall championship with a total of 555 points.
Further, this year’s Intrams introduced two additional sports: Swimming and Poomsae Category of Taekwondo. With this, the SLU Taekwondo Varsity, trained by Coach Daisylyn B. Buliyat, proudly showcased their skills and talents in an exhibition of Poomsae.
Thereafter, the SLU Dance Troupe performed with vibrant colors and dynamic moves transitioning into the Lighting of the Torch led by Atty. Merced and SAMCIS Dean Ms. Glory I. Dela Peña.
NAVI 2.0, the official University mascot, was also introduced. A very cute symbol of unity, positivity, and the indomitable spirit of the SLU community, SLU’s expert Navigator, Altruist, Victor, and Innovator NAVI got even more adorable, more fun, and more invigorated to serve the community with freshness and good vibes. After the lighting of the torch, NAVI danced and cheered the athletes on with fun grooves.
The athletes’ commitment to having discipline and camaraderie was then sealed through the Oath of Sportsmanship, which was led by SLU Swimming Varsity, Mr. Hans Frederick Aragona, who was awarded Silver and Gold medals in various categories at the BBEAL Season 34. Atty. Merced thereafter led the ceremonial toss together with school representatives to officially kick off the games.
With SLU’s commitment to promoting holistic wellness, the Intramurals kindles the spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and healthy competition among Louisians. (Article by Ydelvess Faith Morales, UIO Intern | Photos by Kyla Moreno and Aivian Danielle Culanag, UIO Interns)
